McIntosh Smart, Tough, Aggressive

John Keim

05/01/2006

Keim Time: Our man at Redskins Park gives his views on the draft, including why the Redskins didn't go for an offensive tackle in the late going.

...I like
linebacker Rocky McIntosh, even though he had some injury situations in
college. He's smart, aggressive and tough -- three qualities prized in any
player. I think the Redskins will be pleased with him, though when he becomes a
starter or key player, who knows. Linebackers coach Dale Lindsey will make
absolutely certain the kid is ready before he plays; that's why they have
Warrick Holdman.

...I also
like players from the University of Miami. They're not all saints, but they are
usually good players and they bring a camarederie that many schools can't
match. They also seemingly know what it takes to stay in the NFL, even if some
like to, um, have a little fun on the side. But most of the guys who come from
that school have one thing in common: they win -- and they hate losing.

...The
other pick that intrigues me is fifth-rounder Anthony Montgomery. Russ Lande,
who will have a Q&A about the draft in the next issue of Warpath, is a
contributor to NFLGMjr.com. He listed Montgomery among players he felt could be
steals, considering him a raw player with good ability. He has size and, if
he's matured, then he could be one to watch. If anyone can make a player out of
him, it's Greg Blache. But Blache also can't work miracles so the kid will have
to be dedicated. Early in his college career he was routinely late for meetings.
That stuff can't happen here. Actually, it won't happen; if it does, he'll be
gone.

...The
safety from Northern Colorado, Reed Doughty, sounds like a slower version of
Matt Bowen. He has a ton of passion and likes to hit. But he's slow. Seems like
a lot of safeties are making more and more plays in the box on passing downs;
perhaps Doughty can grow into that kind of a role. There, you need to be quick
more than fast. And quickness stems from intelligence, which Doughty has in
abundance.

...Some
wanted the Redskins to address the hole at backup offensive tackle. But you
can't just pick a tackle in the sixth round because you have a need there.
Those guys typically don't make it; and what you have to ask is this: does the
player have more of a chance to make the team than the guy we have already. If
the answer is no, then don't draft him. So they went toward the defensive side.
All I want from the bottom part of the draft are guys who can be groomed for a
couple years down the road. Those picks aren't a time to fill needs; it's a
chance to find guys who can play -- anywhere. Whether or not the Redskins did
that remains to be seen.

...I'm
not confident in their ability to land those late-round gems. Check the roster:
they haven't done a good job of that in the last few years.

...In
some ways, you have to consider Jason Campbell their first-round pick of this
year. They didn't need him last year. In essence, it was his redshirt year.

...Looking
back on last year's draft: By the end of the summer, there might be only two
guys left from that draft: Carlos Rogers and Campbell. Manuel White looked
shaky trying to play H-back and now he'll have to likely learn more tight end
as well; Robert McCune could be replaced by the draft pick from Tennessee,
Kevin Simon (whom Lindsey really likes); and that leaves Nehemiah Broughton,
who looked good last summer but it's hard to tell where he stands. He has to
improve his hands.

...I
laugh when I read grades assigned to teams about the draft. The time to grade
them is in a couple years when we know who can play and who can't. But there's
such a rush to grade these things it's ridiculous. If the Redskins had a so-so
draft, does it really matter? They've decided to put more emphasis on free
agency, identifying young and talented players then signing them. I believe
strongly in the draft and that teams that win typically draft well; it gives
them the necessary depth to withstand the injuries that always occur. But I
also think if you're going to try and spend money on a guy, do it on someone
who has an NFL track record.

...Saturday
was the least amount of time I've ever spent at Redskins Park on draft day.
Here's the story: I went to two of my son's baseball games (one tied, the other
one -- my 8-year-old pitched for the first time and had three strikeouts; my
wife and I are now counting on him to help us retire early); cut the grass and
hopped in the shower. When I was just ready to leave, the Redskins made a
trade, moving up 18 spots. One expletive later, I was driving a bit fast to
Ashburn. Fortunately, I made it just after they picked and before the press
conferences started. A few hours later, I left. It almost felt like a night
off.